In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
“In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” is a 1955 popular song composed by David Mann, with lyrics by Bob Hilliard. It was introduced as the title track of Frank Sinatra’s 1955 album In the Wee Small Hours.
It was composed by Mann and Hilliard during a post-midnight session at Hilliard’s New Jersey home. Mann was about to depart for New York when Hilliard insisted he remain to try some impromptu songwriting. Mann reluctantly agreed and eventually came up with the tune, to which Hilliard quickly wrote a lyric.
Recordings
Frank Sinatra, on the album In The Wee Small Hours (1955).
Johnny Mathis, on the album Wonderful Wonderful (1957).
Andy Williams, on the album Lonely Street (1959).
Ella Fitzgerald, on the album Ella Fitzgerald Live at Mister Kelly’s (recorded 1958/rel. 2007).
Julie London, on the albums Around Midnight (1960), The Ultimate Collection (2006)
Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, on the album Caravan (1962).
Johnny Hartman, featured on the album I Just Dropped By to Say Hello (1963).
Frank Sinatra, on the album A Man and His Music (1965)
Astrud Gilberto, on the album I Haven’t Got Anything Better To Do (1969).
Carly Simon, on her album My Romance (1990).
Barbra Streisand has covered the song twice. On her 1991 retrospective, Just For the Record, Barbra sang a medley of “When You Gotta Go” and “Wee Small Hours of the Morning” (from a 1969 live performance). In 2009, Streisand recorded a new, studio version of “Wee Small Hours” for her album, Love is the Answer, produced by jazz artist Diana Krall.
The Four Freshmen, on their 1994 Album Voices in Standards
Keith Jarrett, on his 1995 album, Keith Jarrett at the Blue Note.
Liza Minnelli, on her 1996 album Gently.
Carol Sloane, on her 1996 album, The Songs Sinatra Sang.
John Pizzarelli, The John Pizzarelli Trio, After Hours (1996)
Rosemary Clooney, on At Long Last (with the Count Basie Orchestra) (1998).
Chris Botti, on his album Slowing Down the World (1999), featuring Sting on vocals.
Nanci Griffith, on her 2001 album, Clock Without Hands.
Jamie Cullum, on his album Pointless Nostalgic (2002).
Ronnie Milsap, on his 2004 album Just for a Thrill.
Dave Van Norden, featured in The Matador (2005).
Kurt Elling, on his 2007 release Nightmoves, as a medley with “Leaving Again” (Keith Jarrett).
John Mayer with Chris Botti on the Late Show with David Letterman on Thanksgiving Day, 2008.
Daniel Matto, on his 2010 release I’m Old Fashioned.
Diana Krall (see Barbra Streisand entry)
Gary Crosby on the album Gary Crosby Belts the Blues (1959)
Steven Pasquale on the Album Somethin’ Like Love 2009 PS Classics
Stacey Kent – Tenderly (2014)